I'm so sorry to see this book out of print. It may be possible to convey an entire faith system in fewer words, but I can't imagine how. In under 100 pages Ms Gumley and Mr. Redhead give enough information that a thoughtful person can emerge from the reading with respect and admiration for one of our largest faith communities. Like another popular introduction to a faith community, this book was originally broadcast over the BBC. It is subtitled "An introduction to the Islamic faith," though it could almost as easily be called Mere Islam, after the broadcasts that resulted in Mere Christianity. Need a quick fix on why Islam has endured, what is lovely about Islam, and why it will continue to have appeal in our post-modern world? Find a copy of The Pillars of Islam. It's a treasure.